The #1 Nutrient to Focus On to Reduce Your Risk of Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

Omega-3s may help support psoriasis

KEY POINTS

• No nutrient can cure or prevent psoriasis, but eating more omega-3s may help.
• Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support your skin’s barrier.
• Eat more fatty fish, chia seeds and walnuts, and talk to your doctor about supplements.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to build up into scaly, inflamed patches—and if you live with it, you have likely wondered whether changing your meals could calm your skin. It is a fair question, and an honest answer matters here. “There is no diet proven to prevent psoriasis or cure it,” shares Yoon Hang Kim, M.D. But all hope isn’t lost. Kim adds, “Diet can plausibly influence inflammation and psoriasis symptom severity.” And focusing on certain nutrients may have an impressive impact.

If you want one nutrient worth extra attention, make it omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish, certain nuts and seeds, and supplements, these fats have a growing body of research behind them when it comes to inflammatory conditions. Because psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune response, an anti-inflammatory nutrient like omega-3s makes sense as a starting point. They are not a magic fix, and the evidence comes with caveats. But they may be a smart, food-first place to begin. Below, we break down what the research actually shows, how omega-3s may help, and practical ways to add them to your routine.

How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Your Risk of Psoriasis

Here are some of the reasons researchers are paying attention to omega-3s when it comes to psoriasis.

They Target Inflammation Directly

Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory disease, and omega-3s influence the pathways that fuel it. “Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation,” says Geeta Yadav, M.D. Some research also suggests omega-3s help your body produce specialized pro-resolving compounds that signal inflammation to wind down rather than linger. These effects are promising but still being studied, so omega-3s are best viewed as a supportive piece of a broader plan rather than a cure.

They May Lower Psoriasis Risk in Genetic Studies

Some of the strongest signals come from Mendelian randomization research, which uses genetic data to reduce confounding. In one analysis, higher circulating omega-3 levels were associated with a reduced risk of developing psoriasis. Because this method looks at genetically predicted omega-3 levels, it strengthens the case for a possible protective link, though the authors note that further validation is still needed.

They May Help Balance Omega-3 and Omega-6 Intake

One reason omega-3s draw so much interest is the company they keep in modern diets, which tend to be heavy in omega-6 fats from vegetable oils, ultra-processed snacks and many packaged foods. Actively adding omega-3-rich foods, like fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed, may help shift that ratio toward a more balanced, less inflammatory state. Higher circulating omega-6 fatty acids have been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, while circulating omega-3 fatty acids showed no causal effect on the condition. Raising your omega-3 intake remains a practical, food-first way to help tip the balance in a more favourable direction.

They May Support the Skin Barrier

Beyond calming inflammation, omega-3s appear to play a role in skin barrier function and healthy skin cell activity. Researchers have linked these fats to better lipid balance in the skin and improved regulation of the cells involved in psoriasis. This supportive role is one more reason omega-3s show up so often in discussions about diet and skin health.

Strategies to Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Food is the best place to start when trying to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake. A common general goal is to eat fatty fish a couple of times a week, which helps you build a steady intake of EPA and DHA. Here are a few practical ways to get more omega-3s into your routine:

• Eat fatty fish twice a week. Salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are rich in EPA and DHA. Two servings, each about the size of a deck of cards, is a realistic weekly target.
• Add plant sources of ALA. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds onto oatmeal or yogurt, or snack on a small handful of walnuts.
• Consider a supplement if you fall short. If you rarely eat fish, an omega-3 supplement can help close the gap. Talk with your doctor first, especially if you take blood thinners.

It is worth being realistic about what supplements can and cannot do. “It doesn’t work well as a stand-alone treatment, but in combination with prescription psoriasis medications, it appears to improve clearance faster than medications alone. The caveat is you need high doses—typically 3 to 4 grams per day of combined EPA and DHA,” says Joel Spitz, M.D. In other words, omega-3s may complement your treatment, but they are not a substitute for it, and the doses studied are higher than most people get from food alone.

Other Tips to Help Prevent Psoriasis

Omega-3s are one piece of a bigger picture. Your overall eating pattern and daily habits can also influence inflammation and flare frequency. These strategies may help support your skin and general health:

• Build meals around a Mediterranean-style pattern. “The strongest practical pattern is a Mediterranean-style, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts and olive oil, while limiting alcohol, refined sugar, processed foods and excess saturated fat,” says Kim. This approach naturally raises your intake of anti-inflammatory foods.
• Limit alcohol. Heavy drinking has been linked to more frequent and severe psoriasis. Cutting back may help, and it can also support your treatment working as intended.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Excess body weight is associated with higher inflammation and can make psoriasis harder to manage. Small, sustainable changes tend to stick better than crash diets.
• Quit smoking. Smoking is associated with higher psoriasis risk and severity. Stopping can support both your skin and your long-term health.

Our Expert Take

No single nutrient can prevent or cure psoriasis, but your diet may influence inflammation and how your symptoms behave over time. Omega-3 fatty acids stand out as the nutrient to focus on, with research linking higher circulating levels to reduced psoriasis risk (though more validation is still needed). Start with food first, lean on fatty fish and plant sources, and consider a supplement only with your doctor’s guidance, since meaningful supplement effects appear to require higher doses alongside prescription treatment. Round out your routine with a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, less alcohol, a healthy weight and no smoking. Together, these steps can support your skin and your overall health, even if they cannot promise a cure.

https://www.eatingwell.com/omega-3-for-psoriasis-12010664 

Do Supplements Help Psoriasis? What the Research Shows

From healthcentral.com

Vitamin D and curcumin show some promise—but the evidence is mixed. Here’s what to know before adding supplements to your psoriasis treatment plan 

Psoriasis is an immune-related condition that causes inflammation in the body. Because of that, many people wonder if changing what they eat—or taking certain supplements—might help. Some nutrients are known to fight inflammation, and a few have been studied in people with psoriasis. So it seems logical: If you can’t perfectly follow a Mediterranean or DASH diet, could a daily supplement help calm inflammation instead?

It’s not that simple. Supplements can be expensive, and so far, research on whether they improve psoriasis symptoms has been limited and mixed. To get clearer answers, researchers recently reviewed more than 20 clinical trials, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, that looked at popular supplements for psoriasis. Two showed the most promise—but results varied, and none worked for everyone. Here’s what to know before adding anything new to your routine.

Weighing the Evidence

The review examined seven commonly discussed supplements:

• Curcumin

• Fish oil

• Multivitamins

• Probiotics

• Selenium

• Vitamin D

• XP-828L (whey protein extract)

Each of these has anti-inflammatory properties that could, in theory, help psoriasis.

“Omega-3 fatty acids [in fish oil] have the most acceptable data to support use in psoriasis, and oral supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, and selenium may help promote anti-inflammatory pathways that counter the pro-inflammatory ones in psoriasis,” says Rosanne Paul, D.O., an assistant professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH who was not one of the study’s authors.

Still, the overall evidence wasn’t strong enough to clearly recommend most of them. Multivitamins appeared to show the biggest improvement, but results differed greatly between studies, making it hard to trust the finding. XP-828L, a whey protein extract, showed some possible benefit, but it isn’t available in the U.S.

                                                                                    GettyImages/smirart

That left two supplements that stood out: vitamin D and curcumin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin.” It plays a role in skin cell growth, helps regulate immune cells in the skin, and reduces inflammation. It’s also used in some prescription topical psoriasis treatments. People with psoriasis are more likely to have low vitamin D levels, and sunlight exposure often improves symptoms.

When it comes to taking it in oral form, the review found that vitamin D supplements led to mild to moderate improvement in psoriasis symptoms overall. However, study results were inconsistent. “There is a small improvement in PASI [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index] scores, but because the studies are all over the place, it’s not clear if this is actually clinically significant,” says Jessica Kaffenberger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in psoriasis at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH who did not author the study. “It’s reasonable for patients to make sure they’re getting the recommended amount of vitamin D, but I wouldn’t recommend high doses.”

Adults under 50 should aim for 600 IU of vitamin D daily. Those 50 and older should aim for 800 to 1,000 IU daily. The safe upper limit is 4,000 IU per day.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It gives the spice its bright yellow colour and is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. “Curcumin has been shown as a potentially effective adjunctive treatment for psoriasis in both topical and oral formulations,” says Dr. Paul.

In the review, people who took curcumin along with their usual psoriasis treatment had lower levels of interleukin-22 (IL-22), a protein that drives inflammation in psoriasis. They also showed some symptom improvement. It’s thought that it may calm the immune signals that tell your body to make the pro-inflammatory proteins in the first place.

Curcumin in food and most supplements is generally safe (up to 4 grams of concentrated curcumin supplements per day). However, some highly concentrated forms may carry a risk of liver injury. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

The Bottom Line

Research on supplements for psoriasis is still evolving. Of those studied, vitamin D and curcumin show the most potential—but neither replaces standard treatment. If you’re thinking about adding a supplement, talk with your dermatologist first. Together, you can decide what fits safely into your overall care plan.

https://www.healthcentral.com/news/psoriasis/do-supplements-help-psoriasis-research?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGgUy_I1XOw_oTHunbiI9SEpTHxKxIz3oPjWyrOzd7X1UCqn4qP72YGnGkjdpRrMHbA6ibVdLeDKHYgjUjF0-UWL3TRci7NwD2_Fz5oxUnLW8v2dYk

12 Ways to Treat Psoriasis at Home

From healthline.com

You may be able to manage mild psoriasis symptoms at home with supplements, moisturizers, or other remedies. But everyone is different, so it’s important to find what works for you and your symptoms.

Treating psoriasis

Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder that affects more than 7.5 million American Trusted Sourceadults.

It tends to appear pink or red, usually with silvery-white scales, on those that have fair to light skin tones. On medium skin tones, it may look salmon-coloured with a silvery-white scale, and on darker skin tones, it could look violet and the scale grey. Or it can also appear dark brown and difficult to see.

Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis actually begins inside your body in your immune system.

Psoriasis is a condition where your T-cells, a type of white blood cell, can become overactive to produce other immune markers that can cause an inflammatory reaction on the skin. The reaction on the skin shows up in the form of silvery-white scale, depending on the skin ton

Even though there’s no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are 12 ways to manage mild symptoms at home.

1. Take dietary supplements

Dietary supplements may help ease psoriasis symptoms from the inside.

Fish oil, vitamin D, milk thistle, aloe vera, Oregon grape, and evening primrose oil have all been reported to help ease mild symptoms of psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Check with your doctor before taking supplements to make sure they don’t interfere with other health conditions you may have or medications you’re taking.

2. Prevent dry skin

Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. This can help prevent dry skin before it starts.

Moisturizers for sensitive skin can keep your skin supple and moisturized.

3. Try aloe

Aloe vera has been shown in some cases to reduce redness and irritation caused by psoriasis. A 2010 studyTrusted Source found aloe vera gel cream to be slightly more effective in improving psoriasis symptoms compared to 0.1 percent triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid cream used to treat psoriasis.

More research is needed to show for sure if aloe vera can improve symptoms of psoriasis. However, the risk of trying aloe vera gels or creams is low, so it may be worth a try.

4. Avoid fragrances

Most soaps and perfumes have dyes and other chemicals in them that may irritate your skin. They can make you smell great, but they also can inflame psoriasis.

Avoid such products when you can, or choose those with “sensitive skin” labels.

5. Eat healthfully

Diet may play a role in managing psoriasis.

Limiting red meat, saturated fats, refined sugars, carbohydrates, and alcohol may help reduce flare-ups triggered by such foods.

Cold water fish, seeds, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation. This can be helpful for managing psoriasis symptoms.

Olive oil may also have soothing benefits when applied topically to the skin. Try massaging a few tablespoons on your scalp to help loosen troublesome plaques during your next shower.

6. Soak your body

A lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, mineral oil, milk, or olive oil can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques. Oatmeal baths can also be very helpful and soothing for plaque psoriasis.

Be sure that the water is not hot. Hot water can cause more irritation.

Moisturize immediately after your bath for double benefits.

7. Get some rays

Light therapy involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet light under the supervision of a doctor.

Ultraviolet light can help slow the growth of skin cells triggered by psoriasis. This therapy often requires consistent and frequent sessions. Sitting in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes can also help reduce plaques.

However, too much sunlight and tanning beds aren’t the best options as they can also increase your risk of skin cancer.

Light therapy should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.

8. Reduce stress

Any chronic condition like psoriasis can be a source of stress, which in turn can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

In addition to reducing stress whenever possible, consider incorporating stress-reducing practices such as yoga and meditation. 

9. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is a trigger for many people who have psoriasis.

A study in 2015 found an increased risk of psoriasis among women who drank nonlight beer. Those who drank at least five nonlight beers per week were nearly twice as likely to develop psoriasis compared to women who didn’t drink.

10. Try turmeric

Herbs are commonly used to treat many conditions.

Turmeric has been found to help minimize psoriasis flare-ups. It can be taken in pill or supplement form, or sprinkled on your food.

Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits for you.

11. Quitting smoking

Avoid tobacco. Smoking may increase your risk of psoriasis.

If you already have psoriasis, it can make your symptoms more severe.

12. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk of developing psoriasis. Obesity is also associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms, StudiesTrusted Source have found that losing weight can help improve these symptoms.

Here are some tips for losing weight:

• exercise on a regular basis
• cut back on refined carbs
• eat plenty of vegetables and protein

The takeaway

There isn’t a single answer for keeping the symptoms of psoriasis at bay. What works for one person may not work for another.

Some treatment options may have negative side effects for pre-existing conditions other than psoriasis.

While these remedies for psoriasis may help with mild cases, prescription therapy is required for more severe cases. Talk to your doctor before seeking treatment on your own.

A dermatologist can treat the thick, red, scaly patches of skin (also known as plaques) from psoriasis. They can also treat other parts of your body that moderate to severe psoriasis may affect, such as your scalp and nails. Consider checking with your dermatologist when you experience a flare or worsening symptoms.

Nearly a third of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This can cause swollen, stiff, or painful joints. A rheumatologist can determine if you have psoriatic arthritis and prescribe treatments to control your symptoms. This type of doctor specializes in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Psoriasis has been linked to other health conditions, such as lymphoma, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A primary care doctor can help you find ways to reduce your risk of other conditions and improve your overall health. They can also screen you for early warning signs of psoriasis complications and refer you to a specialist, if necessary.

While psoriasis has no cure, it can be treated with a variety of prescription medications (like immunosuppressive drugs) and over-the-counter drugs (such as topical ointments). A pharmacist can provide information and tips on following your treatment plan and can make sure your medications are safe to take together. They can also answer questions or address concerns about your medications.

Stress has been shown to be a trigger for psoriasis flares. A psychologist, licensed professional counsellor, or clinical social worker can help you develop personalized ways to manage stress. Self-care techniques — such as breathing exercises, journaling, meditation, yoga, and stretching — can also help you ease stress.

Cutting back on foods that trigger psoriasis flares can help reduce symptoms. A dietitian can help you develop a nutritious eating plan that may potentially reduce inflammation in the body. They can also help you maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity and reduce your risk of psoriasis-related complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/treat-symptoms-home?slot_pos=article_3&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2023-11-21&utm_term=s:hl_n:pso&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e 

Should You Be Taking Vitamins or Supplements for Psoriasis?

From everydayhealth.com

By Howard Change

Can omega-3 fish oil or turmeric help your psoriasis symptoms? What about vitamin D? EH’s psoriasis blogger takes these questions to his dermatologist 

I’ve finally accepted that I’m not 35 years old. In my mind I see myself as a young, active person who is ready to conquer the world. But my body tells me that I’m squarely middle-aged. That truth hit home when I shopped at Costco last month.

As I walked along the pharmacy aisle, I noticed vitamins on sale specifically for people who are over 50. I’d considered buying a bottle before as part of a tweak to try during Psoriasis Action Month. A quick call to my wife confirmed that this was a good idea.

Starting on a daily multivitamin felt harmless enough. But a few days into my new routine I decided to do a little research to see if these pills, or other kinds of dietary supplements, might improve my psoriasis as well as my overall health.

                                  Scientists are investigating the effects of turmeric and vitamin D on psoriasis.  Canva (2)

Checking In With My Dermatologist

I like to use the notes app on my phone to write down questions to ask my healthcare providers at my next appointment. The topic of supplements landed on my list for my next visit with Christie Carroll, MD.

Dr. Carroll mentioned several supplements that her psoriasis patients ask about: omega-3 fish oil, turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin), and vitamin D. She said she couldn’t recommend any of these for my psoriasis based on her clinical experience, but it wouldn’t hurt me to try them out.

We both commented on how we didn’t like fish oil pills due to the possibility of an unpleasant fishy taste coming up during digestion. I do like eating fish, though, and thought that adding more smoked salmon or other types of seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids to my diet wouldn’t be that difficult.

I left the appointment with some urgency to get my vitamin D checked as I’ve had low levels in the past. I don’t generate as much vitamin D naturally since I developed an allergic reaction to phototherapy and sunlight. I later read about a study that found people with psoriasis generally benefit from getting more vitamin D, either through supplements or diet.

Psoriasis Treatment Is Individual

One of my pet peeves is when people make claims that certain nutrients or food choices or avoidance cured their psoriasis, and will cure yours, too. I’ve heard this assertion over and again, from eliminating meat, dairy, and gluten to ingesting flaxseed oil.

I don’t have any way to verify whether something works or doesn’t work for other people. There are numerous psoriasis treatments and therapies precisely because there isn’t one that fits all. What helps one person may do very little for someone else.

The National Psoriasis Foundation punctuates the point: “There is no direct link between vitamins and dietary supplements and psoriatic disease. However, many with psoriatic disease find that including vitamins and supplements in their diet helps their skin clear and may ease joint pain.”

This understanding helps me decide what to try, or avoid. I check with my healthcare providers first, since they know my health conditions, including what medications I’m taking. For example, once my dermatologist told me to stop taking a certain herbal pill for insomnia when starting a new psoriasis pill.

I also feel less pressure to try what others are touting knowing that it’s not a sure bet to work for me. When someone says they have a cure, even though I want it to be true, my scepticism can help me avoid later disappointment.

When Possible I Aim to Get Nutrients Through Food

Despite my careful approach, I’m willing to take supplements and vitamins and change how I eat in order to improve my overall health and maybe also my psoriasis.

I’ve heard a lot about gut health and inflammation recently, so I decided to add probiotics to my diet. A few ounces of fermented food in the form of kimchi or sauerkraut each day fits well into my eating style. In the morning I mix blueberries or raspberries into non-fat plain yogurt that is rich in gut-friendly bacteria.

Antioxidant-rich foods are also part of my diet, since they are good for my overall health and help lessen my risk of heart disease and other health issues that are more likely to affect people with psoriasis. As with probiotics, I’m trying to get my antioxidants from food. I especially like blueberries or strawberries plain, as a salad topping, or mixed into yogurt. To wean myself from salty snacks at night, I’m eating vegetable snack packs that include antioxidant-rich broccoli.

The Bottom Line on Supplements and Vitamins for Psoriasis

The jury is still out on whether taking supplements or vitamins or making dietary changes will work to lessen my psoriasis severity. Regardless, I’m open to the possibility that they might.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/howard-chang-the-itch-to-beat-psoriasis/should-you-be-taking-vitamins-or-supplements-for-psoriasis/